National Healthcare Decisions Day

VHCA (11/30/2007)

As you have learned from earlier Memos in past months, April 16, 2008 has been designated National Healthcare Decisions Day.  The National Healthcare Decisions Day Initiative is a collaborative effort of national, state and community organizations committed to ensuring that all adults with decision-making capacity in the United States have the information and opportunity to communicate and document their healthcare decisions.

If you haven't already done so, please visit the website.  A variety of ideas for events and activities can be found on the website under “Organize Your Community.”   More resources will be added soon.  Finally, please be sure to take a look at the growing list of participants.

The recruitment campaign is now in process.  If you haven't yet signed up, please select “sign up your organization” on the home page and download the participation form to add your voice to this tremendous collaboration.  Finally, if you are already on board, please spread the word and encourage others to participate. 
 
You need not change what you are already doing to educate the public about advance health care decision-making and advance directives.  Instead, you are simply encouraged to make a “bigger splash” regarding the topic on April 16, 2008.  And, again, there is no cost to participate.

VHCA is proudly participating in this event along with a broad array of other organizations.  We hope that you will participate with us to raise awareness about these important issues across the country.  This is a wonderful opportunity to work collaboratively with other health care organizations and a great chance to gain increased recognition for your organization. 

For additional information or questions about this initiative, please contact: nhdd@nhpco.org.

Thank you for all you are already doing and for making this event a success.